A Bengaluru-based mother of two has sparked a debate on social media with a video explaining why her nannies wear a uniform. Tanvi Chordia Jain shared “five practical reasons” why her children’s nannies wear a uniform while working, which drew mixed reactions on Instagram.
The content creator behind @obviouslytanvi spoke to Hindustantimes.com about her decision to make her nannies wear a uniform, saying it was never about creating a hierarchy in the household. Instead, it stemmed from practical concerns like the demands of childcare
‘My nannies wear uniforms’
In the video, Jain said the decision was driven by practical considerations rather than status.
“Yes, my nannies wear uniforms, and no, the reason is not what you are thinking,” she said, before listing the reasons why her family introduced workwear for their childcare staff.
According to Jain, having designated workwear means there is no daily confusion over what to wear, while the clothes can also be designed to make childcare easier.
“It’s designed for the job: bending, running behind kids, carrying babies without constantly having to adjust clothes,” she said.
{{/usCountry}}“It’s designed for the job: bending, running behind kids, carrying babies without constantly having to adjust clothes,” she said.
{{/usCountry}}She also pointed to practical features such as pockets, which can be used to carry items such as handkerchiefs, clips and toys.
“Uniform on equals work mode on. It creates a simple sense of routine and responsibility,” Jain added.
‘Not about hierarchy’
Jain said the arrangement was not something her household had always followed. In a statement explaining her perspective, she said the family introduced uniforms “over time because we found it practical”.
“I completely understand why the video started a conversation, because uniforms can mean very different things to different people. For me, though, this was never about creating a hierarchy or making someone look like ‘the help’.
“In fact, we didn’t always have uniforms at home. It is something we introduced over time because we found it practical, and we are constantly learning and changing our systems too,” she told Hindustantimes.com.
A sense of familiarity
The Bengaluru-based creator, whose content revolves around modern motherhood, parenting, and childcare, noted that uniforms bring a sense of familiarity and comfort to her children.
“One perspective someone shared after the video really stayed with me—the idea of familiarity for young children,” she said. “Children thrive on routine and familiar cues, and consistent workwear can simply become one of those visual cues associated with the caregivers they know.”
She also highlighted how a uniform does not always signal subservience.
“I also don’t believe that asking someone to wear a uniform automatically means you value them less. We encounter uniforms in hospitals, hotels, schools, airlines and so many workplaces. What determines dignity is not the outfit—it is how you treat the person wearing it,” Jain explained.
Video draws mixed reactions
Her video on Instagram drew mixed reactions. Since being shared yesterday, it has crossed over 1.5 lakh views and dozens of comments.
“It is totally about hierarchy. You can pull it off cause you dictate the terms including what they wear in your home. You want them to be identified as the staff and not family,” wrote one commenter.
“It looks awfully uncomfortable. Just get them fanny packs if you want them to be able to store stuff with them. I think it is imposing, elitist and controlling,” another wrote.
“As a Psychologist expert - my view is aligns with you. When nannies wear uniforms, kids get a clear, reliable visual marker. Even when faces change, that consistent cue gives them a sense of stability and helps them adjust,” a third commenter wrote.
Bengaluru mom responds to critics
Speaking to Hindustantimes.com, Tanvi Chordia Jain acknowledged that her decision could be polarising. She stressed that she was only sharing her personal experience, not advising others on what to do.
“People are absolutely allowed to disagree with my choice. Every household works differently. I shared something that has worked well for ours, not a rulebook for how anybody else’s home should function,” she said.
“If this conversation has made us think a little more deeply about how we treat the people who help raise our children, then I think something good has come out of the debate,” Jain added.